Another Ramadan is upon us, Alhamdulillah. The timetables are distributed, food is being prepared. We get the duas out, the Qur’ans, the nasheeds and qiraats. We know our routines, so let’s not spend this post discussing that. Instead, let’s look at what’s going to change. Change? What do you mean ‘change’?

Ramadan is a Blessed Month; one where we can get into new and good habits, get rid of bad habits and move the ummah forward. It’s not just about doing some extras for one month and then back to our old ways. Ramadan cleanses you, increases your imaan and should mean that you come out stronger than when you started.

Here are a few suggestions for you, on what you can do:

ESTABLISH YOUR PRAYERS

What good is your fast without the most essential act, after your shahadah.. the 5 daily prayers.

If you aren’t praying regularly, then use Ramadan to get into the habit of praying ALL your five prayers.

If you are praying regularly, then try to do more sunnah prayers and nawafil prayers. These make up for any deficiencies in your obligatory prayers and also gain you more rewards.

If you are praying alone, then try to pray in Jama’at (a group).

If you are praying in Jama’at (a group) then pray in a Jama’at in the masjid.

After 30 days of this, you should start to establish a habit that will keep going after Ramadan, insha’ Allah.

If you don’t know how to pray, it’s never too late to start. Don’t get put off by Shaytaan whispering that it’s too late for you, you’re too old now etc. Just go ahead and learn. I’ve written a couple of posts on how to pray:

Giving in charity during Ramadan, multiplies your rewards and connects us with those less fortunate than ourselves. Charity need not necessarily be financial – even a smile is charity, removing harmful things from the road is charity. Sadaqah is that charity which is not obligatory, so give your sadaqah. Zakat is charity which is obligatory and is based on your wealth. There are many people who are in great need of your charity. Look at Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen, Syria, Sudan, Palestine, and so on – millions of people without food, water, medicine, shelter, homes, fresh clothing. Why should we ignore these people who are suffering without, when we have plenty. I recommend Ummah Welfare Trust as a trusted charity that you can give your sadaqah and zakat to.

FAST FROM SINFUL ACTIONS

‘He who does not desist from obscene language and acting obscenely (during the period of fasting), Allah Has No Need that he did not eat or drink.’ [Bukhari and Muslim]

Fasting of the eyes – Stop the following: looking at sinful things (eg. looking at the opposite sex with desire)

Fasting of the ears – Stop the following: listening to sinful things (eg. music, slander and backbiting, listening to gossip)

Fasting of the limbs – do not walk towards sin, carry out sinful acts,

MAKE THE BEST OF THE LAST TEN DAYS OF RAMADAN & SEEK LAYLATUL-QADR

Laylatul-Qadr (The Night of Decree) is better than 1000 months. Acts of worship done on this night are multiplied as though you were performing those acts for 1000 months! Laylatul-Qadr is one of the odd nights of the last 10 days of Ramadan but no one knows which night it falls on. It could be either the 21st night, 23rd night, 25th night, 27th night or 29th night. So seek out the Night of Decree as your acts will bring you a huge amount of reward.

The last 10 days of Ramadan are full of reward and it is a sunnah to perform I’tikaaf for the last 10 days of Ramadan (I’tikaaf is seclusion in the masjid – or in your home – for 10 days and devoting this time to remembering Allah and acts like additional voluntary prayers, reading Qur’an, gaining Islamic knowledge etc).

ESTABLISH GOOD HABITS

If you’re not wearing hijab, why not start to wear it now, during Ramadan? It’s a good time to establish this – both Muslims and non-Muslims know it’s the month of Ramadan and this could relieve you from the pressure of people staring at you and making comments which may put you off wearing hijaab. Regardless, wearing hijaab is mandatory for a Muslim woman (in front of non-Mahram men) and so why not take the opportunity of gaining rewards (not sins) by starting to do this.

Read more of the Qur’an and try to get into the habit of reading at least a little each day. Contemplate on the Qur’an, gain some understanding of it, learn and read tasfir.

Start to memorise Surahs of the Qur’an. It’s a real good feeling when you can add more and more surahs to those that you have memorised.

Give da’wah. Ramadan is a thing that is known not only to Muslims, but to non-Muslims too. It’s an ideal opportunity to spread the message of Islam as the whole world becomes aware of Ramadan.

Unite the Muslims. Muslims are divided on many things, most of which come out of actions that are not established in Islam and cannot be attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). One of the best ways to do unite the Muslims, is to start learning Islam based on Qur’an and authentic hadith, and by authentic, I mean that you can actually trace things back to the Prophet (pbuh). Start following the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and look into anything that does not go back to the Prophet (pbuh) – if it is not an action/saying of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) then why follow it? Pirs and Maulvis and other ‘religious figures’ are not the way to Islam – these people can make mistakes, as can everyone (except the Prophet, pbuh) – so do not follow blindly. If you are sincere, and always wanting the truth, then this should not be a big deal for you to do. If it is, then you need to question your intentions.

Remember Allah. Dhikr of Allah is a great thing. However, do not fall into extremes and ensure that they way YOU remember Allah, is the way the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) remembered Allah. Repeating ‘Allah-hu’, over and over again is not the dhikr of the Prophet (pbuh) – if you learn the arabic language, you will soon realise that Allahu is a grammatical thing, not a dhikr thing.

Learn arabic. What better way to learn Islam than by understanding the language of the Qur’an.

Show good character. One of the best things about a Muslim is their character. If your character shows a lot of bad habits, then it puts the whole Ummah down and can even put people off from becoming Muslim. Yet who can not smile at good characteristics? Who doesnt want to be around someone who has some really good Islamic traits?

Be amongst good and strong Muslims. You cannot underestimate the boost that you get by being around other good Muslims. This may mean frequenting the masjid to do so. Sisters, keep good company and keep at a distance, those who have bad habits that could rub off on you.

Look Muslim, Act Muslim. Act Muslim, Look Muslim. How you look has a direct impact on your Imaan. If you look Islamic this can strengthen your Islamic character. Other Muslims are quicker to give you salaams and you are more inclined to hide your sins from public (it doesn’t mean that you won’t sin but it does help to repress sins). If you act like a Muslim, then you can do worse than starting to look like a Muslim. Be proud of being a Muslim and a servant and slave of Allah. Don’t be afraid of people – growing a beard, wearing hijab and jilbaab, wearing islamic clothing sends a big signal to everyone. Imagine how many Muslims are there in your country. If all of the Muslims looked like Muslims, you would gain in strength in your Imaan, you would feel like one ummah and the non-Muslims would benefit from this. It’s a big sign of unity.

Stand up against wrongdoings. Being a good Muslims doesn’t mean that your good actions are restricted to the masjid or your home. There are many people who are suffering at the hands of others, around the whole world. Act now and help them.

GET RID OF BAD HABITS

Use the time of Ramadan to start to remove your bad habits. Stop smoking, drugs and drinking alcohol (yes, there are Muslims who do this). Cut down on the television and replace that time with some of the good acts mentioned above. Stop wasting so much time on that games console. Music is from shaytaan so refrain from that. Move away from those whose bad habits influence you. Reduce the idle chit chat and gossip.

Make this Ramadan one that increases you in Imaan and reward and one in which Allah is pleased with you. Strengthen your Islam. In doing so you will… Stand Up 4 Islam!

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the key obligations upon every male and female Muslim who has come of age. Fasting carries great benefits for your health, your mental state, removing attachments to the duniya, preparing for the hereafter, being a better person, improving your character, being an expiation for your sins… the list goes on.

STEP 1: MAKE INTENTION

Before the start of each fast, you must make intention to fast. This doesn’t need to be said out loud but should be firm in your mind. This can be done at any time during the night, even if it is just a moment before Fajr.

“There is no fast for the person who did not intend to fast from the night before.” [Abu Dawud]

STEP 2: TAKE SUHOOR

The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Have suhoor, for in suhoor there is baraqah.” [Bukhari]

STEP 3: FAST DURING THE SPECIFIED TIMES

All Muslims who are fasting should stop eating and drinking at the time when Fajr begins. This includes smoking, drugs, medication. This is also a time to refrain from committing any sins.

There are exceptions – if fasting would result in a serious deterioration of health of a person, then that person should not be fasting and should break their fast. Likewise pregnant women are not permitted to fast. Those on medication, should seek advice from Islamic Scholars.

Menstruating women should not fast during their menstruation cycle.

STEP 4: BREAK YOUR FAST AT MAGHRIB TIME – TAKE IFTAR

You are not meant to delay breaking your fast. The Sunnah is to hasten in breaking the fast.

The Prophet (pbuh) said, “The people remain upon goodness so long as they do not delay iftaar.” [Bukhari]

“The Prophet (pbuh) used to break his fast with fresh dates before praying; if fresh dates were not available, he would eat (dried) dates; if dried dates were not available, he would have a few sips of water.” [At-Tirmidhi]

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Once night comes from there and the day disappears from there, and the sun has set, the fasting person should break his fast.” [Bukhari]

The Prophet (pbuh) would not pray Maghrib until he had broken his fast, if only with a sip of water. [Al-Haakim]

After iftaar, it is Sunnah to recite the words reported in the hadeeth narrated by Ibn ‘Umar (ra), according to which the Prophet (pbuh), when he broke his fast, would say, “Dhahaba adh-dhama’, wabtallat il-‘urooq, wa thabat al- ajru in shaa Allaah (The thirst has gone, the veins are flowing again, and the reward is confirmed, in shaa Allah).” [Abu Dawud]

Another Ramadan is upon us, Alhamdulillah. The timetables are distributed, food is being prepared. We get the duas out, the Qur’ans, the nasheeds and qiraats. We know our routines, so let’s not spend this post discussing that. Instead, let’s look at what’s going to change. Change? What do you mean ‘change’?

Ramadan is a Blessed Month; one where we can get into new and good habits, get rid of bad habits and move the ummah forward. It’s not just about doing some extras for one month and then back to our old ways. Ramadan cleanses you, increases your imaan and should mean that you come out stronger than when you started.

Here are a few suggestions for you, on what you can do:

ESTABLISH YOUR PRAYERS

What good is your fast without the most essential act, after your shahadah.. the 5 daily prayers.

If you aren’t praying regularly, then use Ramadan to get into the habit of praying ALL your five prayers.

If you are praying regularly, then try to do more sunnah prayers and nawafil prayers. These make up for any deficiencies in your obligatory prayers and also gain you more rewards.

If you are praying alone, then try to pray in Jama’at (a group).

If you are praying in Jama’at (a group) then pray in a Jama’at in the masjid.

After 30 days of this, you should start to establish a habit that will keep going after Ramadan, insha’ Allah.

If you don’t know how to pray, it’s never too late to start. Don’t get put off by Shaytaan whispering that it’s too late for you, you’re too old now etc. Just go ahead and learn. I’ve written a couple of posts on how to pray:

Giving in charity during Ramadan, multiplies your rewards and connects us with those less fortunate than ourselves. Charity need not necessarily be financial – even a smile is charity, removing harmful things from the road is charity. Sadaqah is that charity which is not obligatory, so give your sadaqah. Zakat is charity which is obligatory and is based on your wealth. There are many people who are in great need of your charity. Look at Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen, Syria, Sudan, Palestine, and so on – millions of people without food, water, medicine, shelter, homes, fresh clothing. Why should we ignore these people who are suffering without, when we have plenty. I recommend Ummah Welfare Trust as a trusted charity that you can give your sadaqah and zakat to.

FAST FROM SINFUL ACTIONS

‘He who does not desist from obscene language and acting obscenely (during the period of fasting), Allah Has No Need that he did not eat or drink.’ [Bukhari and Muslim]

Fasting of the eyes – Stop the following: looking at sinful things (eg. looking at the opposite sex with desire)

Fasting of the ears – Stop the following: listening to sinful things (eg. music, slander and backbiting, listening to gossip)

Fasting of the limbs – do not walk towards sin, carry out sinful acts,

MAKE THE BEST OF THE LAST TEN DAYS OF RAMADAN & SEEK LAYLATUL-QADR

Laylatul-Qadr (The Night of Decree) is better than 1000 months. Acts of worship done on this night are multiplied as though you were performing those acts for 1000 months! Laylatul-Qadr is one of the odd nights of the last 10 days of Ramadan but no one knows which night it falls on. It could be either the 21st night, 23rd night, 25th night, 27th night or 29th night. So seek out the Night of Decree as your acts will bring you a huge amount of reward.

The last 10 days of Ramadan are full of reward and it is a sunnah to perform I’tikaaf for the last 10 days of Ramadan (I’tikaaf is seclusion in the masjid – or in your home – for 10 days and devoting this time to remembering Allah and acts like additional voluntary prayers, reading Qur’an, gaining Islamic knowledge etc).

ESTABLISH GOOD HABITS

If you’re not wearing hijab, why not start to wear it now, during Ramadan? It’s a good time to establish this – both Muslims and non-Muslims know it’s the month of Ramadan and this could relieve you from the pressure of people staring at you and making comments which may put you off wearing hijaab. Regardless, wearing hijaab is mandatory for a Muslim woman (in front of non-Mahram men) and so why not take the opportunity of gaining rewards (not sins) by starting to do this.

Read more of the Qur’an and try to get into the habit of reading at least a little each day. Contemplate on the Qur’an, gain some understanding of it, learn and read tasfir.

Start to memorise Surahs of the Qur’an. It’s a real good feeling when you can add more and more surahs to those that you have memorised.

Give da’wah. Ramadan is a thing that is known not only to Muslims, but to non-Muslims too. It’s an ideal opportunity to spread the message of Islam as the whole world becomes aware of Ramadan.

Unite the Muslims. Muslims are divided on many things, most of which come out of actions that are not established in Islam and cannot be attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). One of the best ways to do unite the Muslims, is to start learning Islam based on Qur’an and authentic hadith, and by authentic, I mean that you can actually trace things back to the Prophet (pbuh). Start following the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and look into anything that does not go back to the Prophet (pbuh) – if it is not an action/saying of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) then why follow it? Pirs and Maulvis and other ‘religious figures’ are not the way to Islam – these people can make mistakes, as can everyone (except the Prophet, pbuh) – so do not follow blindly. If you are sincere, and always wanting the truth, then this should not be a big deal for you to do. If it is, then you need to question your intentions.

Remember Allah. Dhikr of Allah is a great thing. However, do not fall into extremes and ensure that they way YOU remember Allah, is the way the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) remembered Allah. Repeating ‘Allah-hu’, over and over again is not the dhikr of the Prophet (pbuh) – if you learn the arabic language, you will soon realise that Allahu is a grammatical thing, not a dhikr thing.

Learn arabic. What better way to learn Islam than by understanding the language of the Qur’an.

Show good character. One of the best things about a Muslim is their character. If your character shows a lot of bad habits, then it puts the whole Ummah down and can even put people off from becoming Muslim. Yet who can not smile at good characteristics? Who doesnt want to be around someone who has some really good Islamic traits?

Be amongst good and strong Muslims. You cannot underestimate the boost that you get by being around other good Muslims. This may mean frequenting the masjid to do so. Sisters, keep good company and keep at a distance, those who have bad habits that could rub off on you.

Look Muslim, Act Muslim. Act Muslim, Look Muslim. How you look has a direct impact on your Imaan. If you look Islamic this can strengthen your Islamic character. Other Muslims are quicker to give you salaams and you are more inclined to hide your sins from public (it doesn’t mean that you won’t sin but it does help to repress sins). If you act like a Muslim, then you can do worse than starting to look like a Muslim. Be proud of being a Muslim and a servant and slave of Allah. Don’t be afraid of people – growing a beard, wearing hijab and jilbaab, wearing islamic clothing sends a big signal to everyone. Imagine how many Muslims are there in your country. If all of the Muslims looked like Muslims, you would gain in strength in your Imaan, you would feel like one ummah and the non-Muslims would benefit from this. It’s a big sign of unity.

Stand up against wrongdoings. Being a good Muslims doesn’t mean that your good actions are restricted to the masjid or your home. There are many people who are suffering at the hands of others, around the whole world. Act now and help them.

GET RID OF BAD HABITS

Use the time of Ramadan to start to remove your bad habits. Stop smoking, drugs and drinking alcohol (yes, there are Muslims who do this). Cut down on the television and replace that time with some of the good acts mentioned above. Stop wasting so much time on that games console. Music is from shaytaan so refrain from that. Move away from those whose bad habits influence you. Reduce the idle chit chat and gossip.

Make this Ramadan one that increases you in Imaan and reward and one in which Allah is pleased with you. Strengthen your Islam. In doing so you will… Stand Up 4 Islam!

Another Ramadan is upon us, Alhamdulillah. The timetables are distributed, food is being prepared. We get the duas out, the Qur’ans, the nasheeds and qiraats. We know our routines, so let’s not spend this post discussing that. Instead, let’s look at what’s going to change. Change? What do you mean ‘change’?

Ramadan is a Blessed Month; one where we can get into new and good habits, get rid of bad habits and move the ummah forward. It’s not just about doing some extras for one month and then back to our old ways. Ramadan cleanses you, increases your imaan and should mean that you come out stronger than when you started.

Here are a few suggestions for you, on what you can do:

ESTABLISH YOUR PRAYERS

What good is your fast without the most essential act, after your shahadah.. the 5 daily prayers.

If you aren’t praying regularly, then use Ramadan to get into the habit of praying ALL your five prayers.

If you are praying regularly, then try to do more sunnah prayers and nawafil prayers. These make up for any deficiencies in your obligatory prayers and also gain you more rewards.

If you are praying alone, then try to pray in Jama’at (a group).

If you are praying in Jama’at (a group) then pray in a Jama’at in the masjid.

After 30 days of this, you should start to establish a habit that will keep going after Ramadan, insha’ Allah.

If you don’t know how to pray, it’s never too late to start. Don’t get put off by Shaytaan whispering that it’s too late for you, you’re too old now etc. Just go ahead and learn. I’ve written a couple of posts on how to pray:

Giving in charity during Ramadan, multiplies your rewards and connects us with those less fortunate than ourselves. Charity need not necessarily be financial – even a smile is charity, removing harmful things from the road is charity. Sadaqah is that charity which is not obligatory, so give your sadaqah. Zakat is charity which is obligatory and is based on your wealth. There are many people who are in great need of your charity. Look at Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen, Syria, Sudan, Palestine, and so on – millions of people without food, water, medicine, shelter, homes, fresh clothing. Why should we ignore these people who are suffering without, when we have plenty. I recommend Ummah Welfare Trust as a trusted charity that you can give your sadaqah and zakat to.

FAST FROM SINFUL ACTIONS

‘He who does not desist from obscene language and acting obscenely (during the period of fasting), Allah Has No Need that he did not eat or drink.’ [Bukhari and Muslim]

Fasting of the eyes – Stop the following: looking at sinful things (eg. looking at the opposite sex with desire)

Fasting of the ears – Stop the following: listening to sinful things (eg. music, slander and backbiting, listening to gossip)

Fasting of the limbs – do not walk towards sin, carry out sinful acts,

MAKE THE BEST OF THE LAST TEN DAYS OF RAMADAN & SEEK LAYLATUL-QADR

Laylatul-Qadr (The Night of Decree) is better than 1000 months. Acts of worship done on this night are multiplied as though you were performing those acts for 1000 months! Laylatul-Qadr is one of the odd nights of the last 10 days of Ramadan but no one knows which night it falls on. It could be either the 21st night, 23rd night, 25th night, 27th night or 29th night. So seek out the Night of Decree as your acts will bring you a huge amount of reward.

The last 10 days of Ramadan are full of reward and it is a sunnah to perform I’tikaaf for the last 10 days of Ramadan (I’tikaaf is seclusion in the masjid – or in your home – for 10 days and devoting this time to remembering Allah and acts like additional voluntary prayers, reading Qur’an, gaining Islamic knowledge etc).

ESTABLISH GOOD HABITS

If you’re not wearing hijab, why not start to wear it now, during Ramadan? It’s a good time to establish this – both Muslims and non-Muslims know it’s the month of Ramadan and this could relieve you from the pressure of people staring at you and making comments which may put you off wearing hijaab. Regardless, wearing hijaab is mandatory for a Muslim woman (in front of non-Mahram men) and so why not take the opportunity of gaining rewards (not sins) by starting to do this.

Read more of the Qur’an and try to get into the habit of reading at least a little each day. Contemplate on the Qur’an, gain some understanding of it, learn and read tasfir.

Start to memorise Surahs of the Qur’an. It’s a real good feeling when you can add more and more surahs to those that you have memorised.

Give da’wah. Ramadan is a thing that is known not only to Muslims, but to non-Muslims too. It’s an ideal opportunity to spread the message of Islam as the whole world becomes aware of Ramadan.

Unite the Muslims. Muslims are divided on many things, most of which come out of actions that are not established in Islam and cannot be attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). One of the best ways to do unite the Muslims, is to start learning Islam based on Qur’an and authentic hadith, and by authentic, I mean that you can actually trace things back to the Prophet (pbuh). Start following the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and look into anything that does not go back to the Prophet (pbuh) – if it is not an action/saying of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) then why follow it? Pirs and Maulvis and other ‘religious figures’ are not the way to Islam – these people can make mistakes, as can everyone (except the Prophet, pbuh) – so do not follow blindly. If you are sincere, and always wanting the truth, then this should not be a big deal for you to do. If it is, then you need to question your intentions.

Remember Allah. Dhikr of Allah is a great thing. However, do not fall into extremes and ensure that they way YOU remember Allah, is the way the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) remembered Allah. Repeating ‘Allah-hu’, over and over again is not the dhikr of the Prophet (pbuh) – if you learn the arabic language, you will soon realise that Allahu is a grammatical thing, not a dhikr thing.

Learn arabic. What better way to learn Islam than by understanding the language of the Qur’an.

Show good character. One of the best things about a Muslim is their character. If your character shows a lot of bad habits, then it puts the whole Ummah down and can even put people off from becoming Muslim. Yet who can not smile at good characteristics? Who doesnt want to be around someone who has some really good Islamic traits?

Be amongst good and strong Muslims. You cannot underestimate the boost that you get by being around other good Muslims. This may mean frequenting the masjid to do so. Sisters, keep good company and keep at a distance, those who have bad habits that could rub off on you.

Look Muslim, Act Muslim. Act Muslim, Look Muslim. How you look has a direct impact on your Imaan. If you look Islamic this can strengthen your Islamic character. Other Muslims are quicker to give you salaams and you are more inclined to hide your sins from public (it doesn’t mean that you won’t sin but it does help to repress sins). If you act like a Muslim, then you can do worse than starting to look like a Muslim. Be proud of being a Muslim and a servant and slave of Allah. Don’t be afraid of people – growing a beard, wearing hijab and jilbaab, wearing islamic clothing sends a big signal to everyone. Imagine how many Muslims are there in your country. If all of the Muslims looked like Muslims, you would gain in strength in your Imaan, you would feel like one ummah and the non-Muslims would benefit from this. It’s a big sign of unity.

Stand up against wrongdoings. Being a good Muslims doesn’t mean that your good actions are restricted to the masjid or your home. There are many people who are suffering at the hands of others, around the whole world. Act now and help them.

GET RID OF BAD HABITS

Use the time of Ramadan to start to remove your bad habits. Stop smoking, drugs and drinking alcohol (yes, there are Muslims who do this). Cut down on the television and replace that time with some of the good acts mentioned above. Stop wasting so much time on that games console. Music is from shaytaan so refrain from that. Move away from those whose bad habits influence you. Reduce the idle chit chat and gossip.

Make this Ramadan one that increases you in Imaan and reward and one in which Allah is pleased with you. Strengthen your Islam. In doing so you will… Stand Up 4 Islam!

Another Ramadan is on us, Alhamdulillah. The timetables are distributed, food is being prepared. We get the duas out, the Qur’ans, the nasheeds and qiraats. We know our routines, so let’s not spend this post discussing that. Instead, let’s look at what’s going to change. Change? What do you mean ‘change’?

Ramadan is a Blessed Month; one where we can get into new and good habits, get rid of bad habits and move the ummah forward. It’s not just about doing some extras for one month and then back to our old ways. Ramadan cleanses you, increases your imaan and should mean that you come out stronger than when you started.

Here are a few suggestions for you, on what you can do:

ESTABLISH YOUR PRAYERS

What good is your fast without the most essential act, after your shahadah.. the 5 daily prayers.

If you aren’t praying regularly, then use Ramadan to get into the habit of praying ALL your five prayers.

If you are praying regularly, then try to do more sunnah prayers and nawafil prayers. These make up for any deficiencies in your obligatory prayers and also gain you more rewards.

If you are praying alone, then try to pray in Jama’at (a group).

If you are praying in Jama’at (a group) then pray in a Jama’at in the masjid.

After 30 days of this, you should start to establish a habit that will keep going after Ramadan, insha’ Allah.

If you don’t know how to pray, it’s never too late to start. Don’t get put off by Shaytaan whispering that it’s too late for you, you’re too old now etc. Just go ahead and learn. I’ve written a couple of posts on how to pray:

Giving in charity during Ramadan, multiplies your rewards and connects us with those less fortunate than ourselves. Charity need not necessarily be financial – even a smile is charity, removing harmful things from the road is charity. Sadaqah is that charity which is not obligatory, so give your sadaqah. Zakat is charity which is obligatory and is based on your wealth. There are many people who are in great need of your charity. Look at Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen, Syria, Sudan, Palestine, and so on – millions of people without food, water, medicine, shelter, homes, fresh clothing. Why should we ignore these people who are suffering without, when we have plenty. I recommend Ummah Welfare Trust as a trusted charity that you can give your sadaqah and zakat to.

FAST FROM SINFUL ACTIONS

‘He who does not desist from obscene language and acting obscenely (during the period of fasting), Allah Has No Need that he did not eat or drink.’ [Bukhari and Muslim]

Fasting of the eyes – Stop the following: looking at sinful things (eg. looking at the opposite sex with desire)

Fasting of the ears – Stop the following: listening to sinful things (eg. music, slander and backbiting, listening to gossip)

Fasting of the limbs – do not walk towards sin, carry out sinful acts,

MAKE THE BEST OF THE LAST TEN DAYS OF RAMADAN & SEEK LAYLATUL-QADR

Laylatul-Qadr (The Night of Decree) is better than 1000 months. Acts of worship done on this night are multiplied as though you were performing those acts for 1000 months! Laylatul-Qadr is one of the odd nights of the last 10 days of Ramadan but no one knows which night it falls on. It could be either the 21st night, 23rd night, 25th night, 27th night or 29th night. So seek out the Night of Decree as your acts will bring you a huge amount of reward.

The last 10 days of Ramadan are full of reward and it is a sunnah to perform I’tikaaf for the last 10 days of Ramadan (I’tikaaf is seclusion in the masjid – or in your home – for 10 days and devoting this time to remembering Allah and acts like additional voluntary prayers, reading Qur’an, gaining Islamic knowledge etc).

ESTABLISH GOOD HABITS

If you’re not wearing hijab, why not start to wear it now, during Ramadan? It’s a good time to establish this – both Muslims and non-Muslims know it’s the month of Ramadan and this could relieve you from the pressure of people staring at you and making comments which may put you off wearing hijaab. Regardless, wearing hijaab is mandatory for a Muslim woman (in front of non-Mahram men) and so why not take the opportunity of gaining rewards (not sins) by starting to do this.

Read more of the Qur’an and try to get into the habit of reading at least a little each day. Contemplate on the Qur’an, gain some understanding of it, learn and read tasfir.

Start to memorise Surahs of the Qur’an. It’s a real good feeling when you can add more and more surahs to those that you have memorised.

Give da’wah. Ramadan is a thing that is known not only to Muslims, but to non-Muslims too. It’s an ideal opportunity to spread the message of Islam as the whole world becomes aware of Ramadan.

Unite the Muslims. Muslims are divided on many things, most of which come out of actions that are not established in Islam and cannot be attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). One of the best ways to do unite the Muslims, is to start learning Islam based on Qur’an and authentic hadith, and by authentic, I mean that you can actually trace things back to the Prophet (pbuh). Start following the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and look into anything that does not go back to the Prophet (pbuh) – if it is not an action/saying of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) then why follow it? Pirs and Maulvis and other ‘religious figures’ are not the way to Islam – these people can make mistakes, as can everyone (except the Prophet, pbuh) – so do not follow blindly. If you are sincere, and always wanting the truth, then this should not be a big deal for you to do. If it is, then you need to question your intentions.

Remember Allah. Dhikr of Allah is a great thing. However, do not fall into extremes and ensure that they way YOU remember Allah, is the way the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) remembered Allah. Repeating ‘Allah-hu’, over and over again is not the dhikr of the Prophet (pbuh) – if you learn the arabic language, you will soon realise that Allahu is a grammatical thing, not a dhikr thing.

Learn arabic. What better way to learn Islam than by understanding the language of the Qur’an.

Show good character. One of the best things about a Muslim is their character. If your character shows a lot of bad habits, then it puts the whole Ummah down and can even put people off from becoming Muslim. Yet who can not smile at good characteristics? Who doesnt want to be around someone who has some really good Islamic traits?

Be amongst good and strong Muslims. You cannot underestimate the boost that you get by being around other good Muslims. This may mean frequenting the masjid to do so. Sisters, keep good company and keep at a distance, those who have bad habits that could rub off on you.

Look Muslim, Act Muslim. Act Muslim, Look Muslim. How you look has a direct impact on your Imaan. If you look Islamic this can strengthen your Islamic character. Other Muslims are quicker to give you salaams and you are more inclined to hide your sins from public (it doesn’t mean that you won’t sin but it does help to repress sins). If you act like a Muslim, then you can do worse than starting to look like a Muslim. Be proud of being a Muslim and a servant and slave of Allah. Don’t be afraid of people – growing a beard, wearing hijab and jilbaab, wearing islamic clothing sends a big signal to everyone. Imagine how many Muslims are there in your country. If all of the Muslims looked like Muslims, you would gain in strength in your Imaan, you would feel like one ummah and the non-Muslims would benefit from this. It’s a big sign of unity.

Stand up against wrongdoings. Being a good Muslims doesn’t mean that your good actions are restricted to the masjid or your home. There are many people who are suffering at the hands of others, around the whole world. Act now and help them.

GET RID OF BAD HABITS

Use the time of Ramadan to start to remove your bad habits. Stop smoking, drugs and drinking alcohol (yes, there are Muslims who do this). Cut down on the television and replace that time with some of the good acts mentioned above. Stop wasting so much time on that games console. Music is from shaytaan so refrain from that. Move away from those whose bad habits influence you. Reduce the idle chit chat and gossip.

Make this Ramadan one that increases you in Imaan and reward and one in which Allah is pleased with you. Strengthen your Islam. In doing so you will… Stand Up 4 Islam!

take suhoor (the meal before fasting starts). The difference between the fast of a Muslim and the fast of others is the taking of suhoor (from Muslim)

This is recommended

DO…

delay the suhoor to as close to Fajr as possible.

This is recommended

DO…

hasten to break the fast at Maghrib time

This is recommended

DO…

try to break your fast with dates, as this is a sunnah. If dates aren’t available, break your fast with water

This is recommended

DO…

make a dua at the time of breaking the fast, eg. ‘O Allah, for you I have fasted and on Your Provision I have broken the fast’ [Abu Dawud]‘The thirst is gone, the veins are moisten and the reward is certain, insha’Allah’ [Au Dawud]‘Indeed there is for the fasting person, when he breaks his fast, a supplication which is not rejected.’ [Ibn Majah, al-Hakim]

This is recommended

DO…

Use a miswak during fasting, as this is sunnah

This is recommended

DO…

Exercise patience

DO…

Ask Allah for His Mercy and Forgiveness

DO…

Engage in Islamic acts of worship and good, eg. Give in charity, be good to your neighbour, show good character

DO…

Read the Qur’anThe Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: ‘The best among you is he who learns the Holy Qur’an and teaches it.’

From Bukhari & Muslim

DO…

Increase your Islamic knowledge

DO…

Get rid of any innovated practices from your habits

DO…

Make dua to Allah frequently during the day and night

DO…

Be generous‘The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) was the most generous of men and he was the most generous during Ramadan when Jibreel would visit him every night and recite the Holy Qur’an to him.’

From Bukhari & Muslim

DO…

Provide something to a person who is fasting, to break his fast‘He who provides something to the observer of fast for breaking the fast earns the same reward as the one who observes the fast, without diminishing.’

From Ahmad & Tirmidhi

DO…

Pray the night prayer

DO…

Practice I’tikaf (seclusion in the masjid) in the last 10 days of RamadanAishah (ra) reported that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) used to perform I’tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah the Mighty and Majestic, took away his life, then his wives followed this practice after him.’

From Bukhari & Muuslim

DO…

Seek Laylatul Qadr in the last 10 days of Ramadan

DO…

Give your Zakat-ul-Fitr before Eid

This is obligatory

DON’T…

Deliberately eat anything during the fast, unless you are not physically able to complete the fast . You are forgiven if you have forgotten you were fasting

This breaks the fast

DON’T…

Deliberately drink anything during the fast, unless you are not physically able to complete the fast. You are forgiven if you have forgotten you were fasting

This breaks the fast

DON’T…

Deliberatley engage in sexual intercourse during the fast. You are forgiven if you have forgotten you were fasting

This breaks the fast

DON’T…

lie

From Bukhari & Muslim

DON’T…

Slander

From Bukhari & Muslim

DON’T…

Backbite

From Bukhari & Muslim

DON’T…

Swear or use other bad language

From Bukhari & Muslim

DON’T…

Raise your voice or argue

From Bukhari & Muslim

DON’T…

Engage in indecent actions

From Bukhari

DON’T…

Forget that if you are travelling, you have the option to not fast and make up for that fast later on.Aisha reported that Hamzah Ibn Amr Al-Aslamee (ra) asked: ‘O Messenger of Allah (pbuh) I am a person who fasts often, so should I fast while travelling?’ Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) replied, ‘Fast if you wish and refrain from fasting if you wish.’

From Bukhari & Muslim

DON’T…

Fast if you are on your menstrual cycle (women). You must make up for this fast later

DON’T…

Deliberately make yourself vomit

This breaks the fast

DON’T…

Take injections or drugs that are used instead of food

This breaks the fast

DON’T…

Delay breaking your fast

DON’T…

Smoke or take drugs

DON’T…

Worry about the following:

swallowing saliva,

putting on perfume,

gargling water in your mouth and nose for things like cleaning and wudhu,

putting eye drops in your eyes

putting kohl on eyelashes

having a bath/shower

tasting food whilst cooking (as long as nothing goes down the throat)

bleeding (unless it is menstrual)

These acts do not break the fast

DON’T…

Fast on Eid

DON’T…

Forget that if you are very ill, you are excused from fasting and can make up the fast later or give fidyah (a compensation to feed people)

DON’T…

Forget that if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you do not need to fast, although you can if you feel able to and it won’t harm the baby.

DON’T…

Worry, it is not a sin to not perform taraweeh. However, praying is of great benefit

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. It is during this month that the Shayateen are locked away in chains, that the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed and Laylat-ul-Qadr is to be found:

‘The month of Ramadan, in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between what is right and wrong)’ Surat Al-Baqarah v185

‘Verily! We have sent it (the Qur’an) down in Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree). And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than one thousand months..’ Surat Al-Qadr, v1-3

‘When the month of Ramadan arrives, the doors of Heaven are opened, the doors of Hell are closed and the devils put under chains.’ [Bukhari and Muslim]

Benefits of Fasting and Ramadan

Allah Commanded us to fast. It’s the one deed that is purely for Allah alone. And the benefits of fasting are many:

The Prophet (pbuh) said that Allah said: ‘The Fast is for Me and I will give the reward for it, as he (the one who observes the fast) leaves his sexual desire, food and drink for My Sake. Fasting is a screen (from hell), and there are two moments of pleasure (moments of happiness or joys) for a fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord. And the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better in Allah’s Sight than the smell of musk.’ [Bukhari]

Allah declared: ‘O you have believed! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was ordained for those before you, so that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious).’ Surat Al-Baqarah v183

‘Whoever observes (fasts) during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s Rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.’ [Bukhari & Muslim]

Abu Ayyoob al-Ansaari narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadaan then follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be like fasting for a lifetime.” [Sahih Muslim]

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadaan, a month is like ten months, and fasting six days after al-Fitr will complete the year.” [Ahmad]

‘Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said: My nation is given 5 privileges in the month of Ramadan that no nation was given before:

The khaloof (odour of the mouth of a fasting person) is sweeter in the sight of Allah than the fragrance of musk

The angels keep praying to Allah to forgive the fasting people until they break their fast

Allah decorates Paradise every day saying to it ‘My righteous slaves are about to be comforted of their burdens and sufferings and enter you’

The Shayateen are chained during this month

Sins of the believers are forgiven by the last night of Ramadan. [Muslim]